A new political chapter in Senegal

President Faye unveiled his new political entity, “Kiiraay,” a Wolof term signifying “protection” or “shield,” during a conference held at a prominent hotel in Dakar. Outside the venue, hundreds of enthusiastic supporters, unable to find space inside the packed conference hall, braved the scorching heat. They proudly waved placards and wore distinctive scarves emblazoned with the message “Vive Diomaye.” In announcing the formation of this new party, whose motto is “Patriotes républicains” (Republican Patriots), President Faye emphasized its foundational principles: “the republic, ethics, transparency, fraternity, and work.” Among the crowd, Mamo Khady Sall, a 43-year-old who traveled from Yeumbeul, a Dakar suburb, with a group of 15 other women, hailed Faye as a “man of peace.” She openly expressed her strong disapproval of Ousmane Sonko, even refusing to utter his name.

Ousmane Sonko had previously garnered significant support among young Senegalese citizens, largely due to his compelling pan-Africanist rhetoric, particularly following a protracted power struggle with former President Macky Sall, who governed from 2012 to 2024. Both Sonko and Faye had campaigned on a platform of radical change, promising sweeping economic transformation, enhanced social justice, and a robust fight against corruption. However, an economist and financial engineer based in Dakar, Ibra Faye, observed that “after these two years in power, we realize that the demanded changes were not at all possible within the current framework” of the Pastef party.

The evolving political landscape

Addressing his supporters, President Faye confidently declared that “Kiiraay is the majority party in this country.” The gathering prominently featured numerous mayors, sector leaders, and influential civil society figures, underscoring the broad appeal of the new movement. In recent weeks, several high-ranking officials and activists from the Pastef party have announced their resignations to align with the presidential camp. According to President Faye’s communication team, the new party is scheduled to hold its inaugural congress after the country’s summer rainy season concludes. Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s ascension to the presidency is largely attributed to his former mentor, Ousmane Sonko, who would likely have become head of state himself had he not been disqualified from the 2024 presidential election in this West African nation due to a defamation conviction.

The two political figures subsequently diverged over critical issues, notably the strategic approach Senegal should adopt to tackle its substantial public debt and other pressing political matters. On May 22, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye officially dismissed Ousmane Sonko from his position as Prime Minister. Sonko’s allies swiftly responded by appointing him president of the National Assembly, where he continues to lead the Pastef party, which commands a significant majority of 130 out of the 165 seats in Senegal’s unicameral parliament. In late June, the National Assembly passed a legislative proposal aimed at curtailing presidential powers, specifically seeking to prohibit the head of state from concurrently leading a political party or coalition of parties. Nevertheless, the Constitutional Council invalidated this measure less than two weeks later, maintaining the existing presidential prerogatives.